Alison Rae Hudson

Alison Hudson passed away on January 28, 2013, surrounded by her loving family at her home in

San Francisco.

Alison was the proud mother of Francesca Chavez, John, Philip, Lenore, Alexander, Nathaniel and Olivia Estrada and was a Grandma to Luciano and Angelo Chavez, Jason, Anthony, Lauren and Megan Estrada. She is survived by her siblings, Jere Hudson, Meg Schulman and Susan Wood and was preceded in death by her husband, Rosalio Estrada and her parents, Jere and Margaret Hudson.

Alison was born in El Paso Texas on June 18, 1950 into an Air Force family and traveled extensively throughout the United States and South America during her childhood. She graduated from the University of Florida in Gainesville in 1972. After graduating, she settled in California, where she began a career dedicated to creating a better world. A renaissance woman, Alison worked as an educator, entrepreneur, and environmental crusader. Alison brought tremendous energy and a positive attitude to all she did. During her 20 year tenure as a waste management employee with San Joaquin County, her efforts led to the creation of household hazardous waste collection, master gardener, and used paint recycling programs that are among the first and best in the US. She was a respected and much-loved mentor to many.

She was an avid reader and was active in many political and social justice causes, but her proudest accomplishment was the community-minded family she raised. After being diagnosed with terminal cancer 7 years ago, Alison continued to live a joyful life. She participated in a clinical trial to advance the field of cancer research and became its longest-living participant. Until her retirement in November of 2012, she continued to work full-time and served on the board of the Tidewater Art Center.

Friends and family will gather to remember Alison at the Estrada home in Stockton this Friday, February 1st, at noon. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Stockton Women's Center or a local charity of your choice.